Sewing for Dummies

Mamie’s latest sewing project involves making aprons. Since she basically doesn’t sew, that generally means that my latest project consists of my sewing whatever it is she has come up with. But we decided that this time it would be a good idea for her to learn at least some of the basics.

First up was to check the pattern books in the fabric department at oldWalmart (where we happened to be because they have a way better fabric department than our newWalmart). We came across patterns labeled “Sewing Patterns for Dummies” – who knew? Of course, oldWalmart did not have the particular one we wanted, so we headed across town to JoAnne. There we found the pattern and 3 pieces of fabric that Mamie wanted.

A caution about the so-called “Sewing Patterns for Dummies” is in order here. I have been sewing since I was in 7th grade (over 55 years for those of you who insist on counting), and I must really be some kind of dummy because I found the directions tricky and somewhat misleading. You DO need to have some idea of what you are doing or these patterns can get you in a world of discouragement.

Yesterday afternoon was devoted to the first sewing session. Mamie did the majority of the work, from ironing the pre-washed fabric all the way through the final steps. She determined the pattern pieces she would need, separated and ironed them, laid out the pieces on the fabric, pinned and cut them out, sewed seams, etc. I did have to help out and adjust the methodology on some of the trickier parts, but she was the main person.

We were both pleased with the final product, even though it is not perfect. But this was a learning curve for both of us, and the next ones should go more smoothly now that we know where the pitfalls are. She is already thinking big ideas about aprons for Pi (who LOVES to cook and whose personal idol is “that cooker girl” aka Rachel Ray) and aprons for each holiday, etc. I guess we can add “Apron Lady” to my resume, along with Kleenex Cozy Lady, Coaster Lady, and Pillow Lady.

Gettin' Back in the Groove

Things are starting to settle down into the same old, same old again. Mamie, Igor, Brendin and Pi are back safe and sound from their big road trip. Sounds like they had a great time in Garden City - lots of family, food, and fun. Mamie is off today for 3 days of conferences in the town just an hour to the north. On Thursday, she and a friend will spend the night there so they can go to one of the Shakespeare festival plays being presented there.

GolfGuy is back to playing golf - his elbow has healed up again. The last 2 days of his big road trip, he was not able to play because his elbow had flared up and was really hurting. He's just playing 9 holes at a time now, not 18, to keep down the wear and tear.

Pudge seems to be overcoming her bout of "stones". Her pee clumps in the litter box are close to normal, and she's not going to the box a zillion times a day and straining to no effect. I'm not sure the water fountain is a big hit, but both cats seem to have accepted it. The change in food is going fine; they are eating the REALLY smelly canned food well, especially Snickers, and eating the dry food as well. Pudge is bouncing around again - all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

The baby quail were back yesterday around noon time. Several hours later, they were back - only this time so were the 1st batch of baby quail that I saw a month or two ago. Now this first batch are "juveniles" and look huge in comparison to the little ones. Baby quail dad did not like having the other quail family around his babies and shooed them off to one side of the yard before herding his family to the other side. Guess there won't be any play dates in their futures.

Fourth of July was pretty quiet around here - no parades, no bar-b-ques, no fireworks for us. I spent a good part of the day turning pounds of Costco hamburger into meatloaf and hb patties to stash in the freezer - boring and lots of work. I did watch "A Capital Fourth" from Washington, D.C., on tv that evening. Some of the music was good and some not so good - the best was when just the orchestra played as the Sesame Street characters and the blond bimbo singer in the skin-tight gold dress didn't do much for me. The fireworks were OK; the fireworks from NYC were better, but by then I was pretty much falling asleep anyway so gave it up and turned the tv off. Watching fireworks on tv just isn't the same as sitting in a lawn chair at the ballfield with several hundred other people and kids running around all over the place, hearing the boom and feeling the thump as the sky explodes with light and sparkles and a collective sigh and gasp from the crowd goes up. Just not the same.

I'm headed off to Silver Sneakers later this morning. After playing hooky for a week and a half, I forced myself to go on Monday because if I didn't, I knew I might never go back. Our instructor had surgery 2 weeks ago and will be out for another 3 or 4. Unfortunately, the sub isn't "TOO tall, too...", and I don't much like her.

On the Road Again

Mamie, Igor, Bubby, and Pi set off on their big road trip yesterday. Not as early as they planned to (3 am) as at 3:30, Mamie twittered that Igor was still looking for the power inverter so the kids could use their portable DVD players in the back seat. I could do pages of rant on kids and electronic devices on car trips, the missed opportunities to really see this huge, wonderful country of ours, etc. I suppose, tho, it does cut down on the whine factor - "are we there yet?", "I'm bored" - and the he-did, she-did issues. And the so-called adults, Mamie and Igor, certainly hauled along their share of electronic devices to use when it wasn't their turn to drive.

Mamie at least put one of those devices to good use - she twittered updates all through the journey. We read about pit stops and fuel stops, that Pi puked in Grand Junction, CO. and saw a baby deer by the side of the road just before the Eisenhower Tunnel, raindrops in Denver, farmers still cutting wheat at 9 at night outside of Oakley, KS, and wheat trucks lined up at the elevator in Oakley. The last message was from just north of Scott City - about 40 miles north of Garden City and Grammie's house.

All in all, it was a good travelogue and went a long way toward settling my nerves and calming my worries about these four precious people travelling in one vehicle over such long distances and in such a short time. I imagine Mrs. Igor was also grateful for the news of Igor and her children (she has to work and take care of Max and Roxie and Jo the cat; GrandmaT has charge of Mamie's house and Molly and Scout). Hopefully, the return trip will go well (minus the puking) and the updates will keep coming.

The Big 1-1

Bubby's birthday was Friday; he's now officially 11 years old. He'll be in the 5th grade in the fall - top dogs in the school (next year, the class will be at the bottom rung again, such is the cycle of life). I suspect one of the things he's proudest of at this moment is that he's "almost as tall as me", which I remind him is not much of an accomplishment as most everyone in the world is taller than I am.

His birthday party was yesterday - lots of kids and lots of noise. And the biggest inflatable water slide I have ever seen. I am so glad that I did my "bucket list" water slide thing last year at Pi's birthday party - there is no way I would have climbed up that thing. Mamie said she wouldn't even try it, and Mrs. Igor admitted that she had fallen backwards off it 2 times trying to go up. The kids didn't seem to have any problem though, scrambling up like monkeys and screeching back down.

Bubby is growing into a good person - a little lacking in focus at times, but basically a really good kid and really nice to have around. I hope the coming teen years don't change him too much; change is inevitable but hopefully the basics are strong enough to remain strong through the turmoil of adolecence. In the meantime, we'll just enjoy our good kid, interspersed with moments of exasperation.

Plain or Polka Dots?

If Mamie is involved, the answer ALWAYS will be "Polka Dots". There is nothing plain about our Mamie.

A few years ago, she had me make a "sleeve" for her laptop out of fleece so she could put it in her tote and not get it all scratched up. The fleece she choose was a BRIGHT smeary rainbow stripe - totally her.

The sleeve has served her well, but she recently decided that she needed something more "professional" in appearance. I happened to be going to newWalmart the day I spoke with her, so she asked me to scout out the selection of fleece - looking for dark gray or black or brown or navy. NewWalmart had a very limited selection of fleece - all "sherbert" colors (pale green, pale yellow, pale pink, pale blue, pale lavendar), definitely not Mamie. The next day, I was going into the BigTown, so I stopped in OldWalmart. They had an extensive selection of fleece, including a nice medium dark gray that looked like what she said she wanted. This information was duly conveyed to Mamie.

Last Friday, she showed up for dinner bearing the piece of fleece she had purchased. Not sedate medium dark gray, but black background with polka dots in good bright greens, purples, pinks, yellows, blues. She claims she "had" to buy it - once she saw it, she didn't look at anything else.

So polka dots it is. It's not as in your face as the smeary rainbow stripes, but it is still completely Mamie.

Mea Culpa

Last Friday, I let GolfGuy go to Costco on his own. Any wife worth her salt knows this is a BIG mistake. He did quite well his first go-round there - only ended up with a watermelon and a bag of Mrs. Mays Ultimate Crunch (really good stuff) in addition to the ibuprofen that was his original intended purchase.

But it was the second visit that was the kicker. And for that I must take the blame. I had called him on his cell to ask him to stop at the grocery store to pick up something for me. He told me about this really great deal he had seen on a 19" Sony flat-screen TV; so good you just KNEW those things would fly out of there and be gone before the next day. A few minutes of conversation had me agreeing completely that we had better take advantage of the opportunity to replace one of the ancient TVs in the bedroom or our "workrooms". So after finishing his other errands, back to Costco he went to get this great deal.

I must admit that I really like having the new, way smaller TV in my workroom - a space that is so stuffed with stuff that I have to sidle sideways in some places to get around. I was feeling so guilty about ending up with the new TV in my space that I was seriously entertaining the thought of going back for a SECOND one for his room. After letting me stew on the thought until the next morning, GolfGuy graciously said that he "would rather not spend the money now and put it toward a new set of irons" (when his elbow is better - yet again). Have I been manipulated or what?

Dad's Day Dinner

We did the Dad’s Day Dinner thing last night so Mrs. Igor could be there (she works weekends, usually). It was a good evening – funny cards and nice presents - except for a couple of glitches.

Glitch #1 – just as I finished putting the vegetables in the crock pot with the pot roast to cook for the last three hours, the phone rang and GolfGuy hollered it was for me. It was a friend from Silver Sneakers exercise class, and we chatted for a while. Then I went on to the next thing that needed to be done. Several hours later I checked the crock pot to see if I needed to turn it back down to low and discovered that the I had not put the lid back on securely and there was a slight gap along one side. By the time we ate, the food was cooked but not done the way we like it. As Mamie said, it was good but certainly not my best effort. Apparently I can’t talk and cook at the same time.

Glitch #2 – GolfGuy had requested Lemon Cream Pie for dessert, which is finished off with a layer of whipped topping. Mamie was passing a plate with a piece of pie to Bubby – and telling me to check the tiny print in the book she had given to Igor – when she let out a gasp. We all looked at her and she was sitting there with a horrified look on her face, a big glob of whipped topping sliding down her front, and an empty plate in her hand! Apparently she can’t talk and pass a plate at the same time.

Of course, we all collapsed in hysterics – how could we not? But all’s well that ends well. While Mamie was scraping the pie off the floor, GrandmaT offered to split her piece in two. I took her up on the offer, and we each had half a piece of pie while Mamie got to eat a piece as well as wear it.

I am so bummed

Mamie and Igor are planning a road trip of their own. They are going to Western Kansas to see Grammie. They need to go see her; she is in her mid-90's. They are taking Bubby and Pi with them. Four very important people in my life, in the same vehicle, hurtling down the highway at high speed, pushing hard. I don't like it; I don't want to think about it.

They plan to leave on a Thursday and return on Sunday - one day out, two days there, one day back. Long way, short time -really don't like it.

The weekend they plan to go happens to be the Fourth of July weekend. No Bubby and Pi to go to the parade with. No one to take me to the fireworks show - 10 pm is way too late for GolfGuy and Mrs. Igor has to work. I will have to make do with some televised thing from Boston or Washington.

I am really, really bummed!

Road Trip

GolfGuy and his BackNineBuddies are off on their annual golf jaunt. As usual, they are headed to the Four Corners area - Page, AZ; Farmington NM; Durango, CO; and Monticello, UT. Yep, they're hitting all four of the Four Corner states this time around. I could probably think of better places to go and better things to do - 4 states in 4 days and 4 rounds of golf with LOTS and LOTS of driving sandwiched in does not sound like a good time to me.

This is not the "road trip" of college days - a bunch of frat guys piling in a car with a cooler of beer and heading off for an away football game or spring break. This is 8 guys, 60+ years old, who will be too pooped to party at the end of each day. I suspect that by the end of the last round of golf, at least some of them will be barely able to drag themselves back to the vehicles for the trip home.

Fingers are crossed that they have a safe trip - those 2-lane highways are brutal. Well, the roads aren't so bad - it's the clueless and braindead other drivers that scare me witless, as described a few weeks ago after our Arizona trip.

Unfortunate Umbrella Incident

Yesterday was Memorial Day, and we gathered at Mamie’s for a barbeque. Good food, family, friends we hadn’t seen in a while – a very pleasant evening. Except for the wind. It was blowing hard enough that we had to hold onto our plates and food to keep them from being swept away. I vaguely remember, at some point, Mamie coming out and asking if it had gotten too windy for the umbrella. Someone replied that it had, so Mamie assumed that it had been taken down and put away and didn’t pursue it as she was involved in being the good hostess that she is.

This morning, she called me in tears. She had found the umbrella outside the patio wall, smashed up against the house with a broken rib. She had planned and saved to buy that umbrella last year and had taken such good care of it – taking it down and stowing in carefully in the garage whenever the wind or weather was iffy. She doesn’t have the money to replace it and is heartbroken at its loss.

Neither one of us was there when the umbrella flew off so we don't know how or what happened. Thus far, no one else has mentioned seeing it happen. Actually, the incident is not just unfortunate – it is devastating to her.

How strong IS Mrs. Igor?

BigSis and her husband, LawyerGuy, were just here for a 3-day visit, and most of last week was spent in preparing for that visit. GolfGuy was helping me out by vacuuming, and it brought to mind the incident of several years ago when he first took over that tedious chore.

Mrs. Igor and I were helping Mamie clean the rented townhome she was vacating. I was standing on the kitchen counter, wiping out the top cupboard shelves, when I decided to move on to another section. Being somewhat coordination-challenged, I missed the transition to the stepladder and plummeted to the floor – doing some serious damage to my right arm.

For some months afterwards I had limited use of the arm, so GolfGuy took over the vacuuming and mirror cleaning duties, which he continues doing to this day.

The image that stands out in my mind is that of Mrs. Igor LEAPING out from behind the ‘fridge where she was cleaning and literally THROWING that thing back to the wall so she could get to me. The girl IS strong, but come on!

Sad Day

Yesterday was a sad day for the Igor family. They had to say good-bye to their beloved boxer, Rusty. For over ten years, he was an important part of the family – most of the family photos have Rusty in them somewhere. In later years, his earlier transgressions such as chewing the siding off the house and chomping through the cable TV line were mostly forgiven and laughed at. He tolerated, perhaps even enjoyed, toddler Bubby’s and toddler Pi’s pounding, tugging, yanking and overly enthusiastic hugging.

Rusty was a handsome fellow with a wonderful brindle and white color, lively manner and engaging personality. He loved people and welcomed everyone with great delight, sure they came just to see him. He especially loved his family and shared everything with them – furniture, bed, food (which often disagreed with him and resulted in HUGE disgusting, smelly piles) – even to the point of joining in on the fun on the trampoline or splashing in the wading pool.

Several years ago, Rusty assumed an additional, very important task. The Igor family acquired a female boxer who came from an almost abusive situation. Roxie is deaf – stone cold deaf. Rusty was her mentor and guide, acting as her ears and alert system, teaching her the ways of the family and of life. She has been lost and bewildered since he left without her, pasting herself to Mrs. Igor’s side, trying to understand what has happened.

We all knew this day was coming sooner or later; but, of course, it happened too soon, much too soon. No matter how much you think you have prepared yourself, the reality is a terrible blow. We grieve for the Igor family and the huge hole in their lives. Go in peace, Rusty; we will miss you.

Pi's Pillows

I have several functions within the family – Kleenex Cozy Lady, Coaster Lady – and Pillow Lady, among others. Shortly after we moved here, Mamie asked if I could make her a “car pillow”. I thought I could, so we selected an appropriate sized pillow form and fabric she liked. And the pillow factory came into being.

Soon Aunt Mamie decided that since she frequently transported Bubby and Pi in her vehicle they needed car pillows as well. Bubby’s fabric was some sort of black-red-gold pattern and Pi’s was a Dora the Explorer print (Pi was DEEP into her Dora phase at that time). Without realizing it, we had created a monster. Pi dragged that darn pillow EVERYWHERE, and hysterics ensued if the pillow was inadvertently left behind.

Over time the pillow cover became worn and filthy – Mrs. Igor had to sneak it away from her to wash it. I bought more Dora material – but it was wrong, pink background not blue, and would not do. As the blue Dora disintegrated into shreds, the situation became desperate. Mrs. Igor located the fabric on-line and was able to order some (the local Walmart no longer had it in stock). A new cover was made, and disaster was averted – for a time. Then GrandmaT took Pi shopping and let her pick out 2 or 3 fabrics herself. Covers were constructed, but they never really satisfied her.

I had been churning out pillows all along – Charger pillows for Igor, Bronco pillows for Mrs. Igor, Raider pillows for Mamie (NFL Sundays get very interesting in the family), various themed pillows for Mamie’s friends, holiday pillows for Mamie and for me, etc. Pi eventually latched onto one of Mamie’s purple pillows, and that became the pillow that accompanied her everywhere. Somehow, it almost completely disintegrated; but before it’s last gasp, GrandmaT managed to piece together and stuff a shape about 4 inches by 2 inches.

That worked for a while, and I suspect we all harbored the hope that the days of pillow hugging were finally over. The last time Pi was over, I noticed that she was clutching one of Igor’s Charger pillows. So much for that hope.

Poor Snickers

Poor Snickers. He’s in deep doo-doo with The Family – and he doesn’t even realize it. Maybe that’s for the best.

Everyone was over for Easter dinner last evening, and I was in the kitchen finishing up when I heard a big ruckus in the living room. Igor yelled, “Damn cat – you’re lucky I didn’t drop kick you into the wall over there!” By the time I got there, Snickers was so stressed out from all the noise and yelling that he hissed at me when I approached and appeared ready to attack. It took a long time, but I finally got him talked down enough that he let me pick him and carry him into the bedroom out of harm’s way (Snickers, that is, not Igor – who is way too big for me to carry). I closed the door and told him he would have to stay there until everyone left – Pudge, of course, had bee-lined for either under the bed or the closet shelf as soon as the first scary outsider came through the front door.

Turns out that for some reason, Snickers had felt threatened when Igor walked by him to put something on the table. Snickers slashed out, claws at the ready, and left some very ouchy scratches on Igor’s leg – right through his jeans. Cat scratches burn like the dickens, so I understand why Igor reacted so strongly.

As is our habit, GolfGuy and I walked out to the drive with them when everyone left later on. Mamie and GrandmaT were the last to leave, so we headed back inside when they rolled down the street towards home.

When I got inside, Snickers was coming down the hall, aiming for the front door; Pudge was still in the bedroom, peering around the door that was now open about 8 inches – plenty of room for a cat to get through. A quick check with GolfGuy and the departed family showed that none of them had opened the door. Had to have been Pudge. Our interior doors have lever handles and she has gotten quite adept at opening doors that swing AWAY from her. She has been working to perfect her technique on doors that swing TOWARD her, as the bedroom door does from the room side. I’d say she has it down pat – I frequently find the front closet door and/or pantry door open in the morning; and I know for darn sure that neither GolfGuy nor I have been opening doors while sleepwalking.

We’re fortunate that Igor was the object of Snicker’s wrath and not Pi, who has been the usual target in the past – earning him banishment from family gatherings on many occasions. Snickers has never forgiven Pi for coming over here with Aunt Mamie when she used to bring her dog as well; nor has he forgotten that she used to basically chase him and try to squeeze him, as toddlers are wont to do. He was called “Mean Meow” for a long time by her. Cats have long memories, so we’re told by the vet.

Poor Snickers – he’s getting on in years and doesn’t handle noise, confusion, and invasion of his territory by hordes of noisy people very well. Family gatherings here will now be time-outs for Snickers, behind the closed bedroom door. Hopefully, Pudge won’t spring him until people are gone.

Mamie's Birthday

Thursday was Mamie’s birthday – I won’t reveal her age because I don’t know how she feels about that. It was also my brother’s (GoodGuy) 62nd birthday – I can say his age with impunity as not only is he on the other side of the country but he’s a guy and guys don’t care about stuff like that.

We had our requisite family birthday dinner on Friday. The birthday person gets to dictate the menu. Mamie chose green salad, teriyaki London broil cooked on the grill by GolfGuy and sliced thin, BIG baked potatoes (no dinky ones from the 5 and 10 lb. prepackaged grocery store bags), green beans with bacon (because I insisted on a REAL vegetable), and Peaches ‘N Cream Cake. Good choices all.

On one of our Walmart trips, I spotted some “giant bubble wands” in various colors. Because she is the birthday girl and is **-going-on-11, I selected a purple one for her – purple being her favorite color. I briefly pondered purchasing 2 additional ones for Bubby and Pi, but decided against it. They are old enough to accept the fact that it IS the birthday person who gets the gifts – and if they don’t accept that, it’s time they learned. But on a subsequent Walmart trip, I came across little paddle ball toys in the party favor aisle and since there were 4 in a package, 2 packages for the 8 of us went into the cart.

As mentioned yesterday, GolfGuy was doing poorly indeed. He did manage to get the grill lit and the meat on before retreating once again to his sick bed. Igor tended the meat and did the slicing honors, which he did very well. The food was all very good, and those of us who were able to eat stuffed ourselves liberally.

One of the biggest treats was that Mrs. Igor was in attendance. Her work schedule has been such that for many months now she has been unable to join us when we have family dinners. She has been sorely missed, and we need to find a way to schedule these get-togethers so she can be a part of them.

I have been dancing around the fact that I have a daughter who has reached this advanced age, an important decade mark in life. On one hand, I feel great joy about the wonderful person she has become. On the other hand, I wonder how on earth I could have a child that old – and who the hell is that old bag looking back at me in the mirror every morning?

Restaurant Karma

GolfGuy and I just do not have good restaurant karma. Seems like we always find the worst places to eat, have the worst meals, and get the worst service. I don’t understand it – we’re basically nice people, look presentable, and usually tip more than the minimum.

Anyway, yesterday GolfGuy needed to go to the Village center to get some thingie for his new computer and he suggested that I go along and then we could go to the new Chinese buffet in town. You know me, always up for NOT fixing lunch at home.

Of course, it was NOT a good restaurant experience. The food was tasteless and the various chunks of chicken were tough – the so-called teriyaki chicken should have been labeled “old shoe leather.” The sweet and sour chicken came with a gelatinous red goo that oozed over everything on the plate and crept up my fork to spread onto my hand. The list of horrors continues – but the absolute worst part was that NOTHING on the steam tables approached being warm! Hello trouble!

Today GolfGuy is doing poorly – with all the classic symptoms of food poisoning. We had basically the same things – except he had noodles rather than rice and some beef stuff AND sushi, #1 candidate for culprit of the day.

Usually in instances like this, I react quickly and violently to the slightest hint of food being “off.” So far I seem to be okay, which is a good thing as the family birthday dinner for Mamie is scheduled for this evening. Hopefully GolfGuy will be sufficiently recovered so that he can man the grill, even if he can’t eat or join in the festivities such as they are.

Another day, another hole?

Nope, not yet. My hole digging crew was supposed to show up last evening – just as they were on Sunday evening – to dig a hole for the luscious pink jasmine I had to buy at Costco on Friday. As soon as we walked in the door, the alluring aroma grabbed me by the nose and dragged me to the back of the warehouse where a whole gaggle of gorgeous jasmine were waiting to jump into carts and turn bystanders heads as they paraded throughout the store.

However, the wind has been HOWLING for days and days, making outside work beyond uncomfortable. There have been a few days here and there when it calmed down, but then it would pick right back up and have another go at us. Sunday evening, the portable basketball goal that lives by the side of the Igor family driveway did a full face plant across the drive. Fortunately at the time, their Fix Or Repair Daily van was shivering in Mamie’s drive while the family was inside eating dinner. Otherwise, the sad van would have had a very large crease in its head to go along with its other woes.

Hopefully today the wind will go down and the temperature up, and the hole will get dug.

Broken Beagle

Mamie’s Beagle is broken. Not permanently – at least not this time around. But seriously enough that it necessitated an emergency run to the vet by Mamie, Beagle in arms.

Yesterday morning, my cell phone made the noise that announces that Mamie is calling. “Obviously you’re not at home!” “Nope, just got to Costco. What’s up?”

The story was that she had just gotten a call from GrandmaT saying that Scout had been out back and done something to his back again and was dragging his hind legs. Of course, Desert Vet was not in his office that day, but they did refer her to a vet in the BigTown. Mamie was on her way to the Village from her office in the BigTown to get Scout and return to the BigTown with him; and she wanted her Mom to go with her to the vet. Unfortunately, I was not available at the moment, so she had to go alone.

He has had this disc problem before, and there will be more occurrences until at some point surgery will be required. We’ll cross that bridge when it’s necessary.

Scout is doing much better today – although still gimping and moaning at times. He is very good about taking his pills – as long as cheese is involved.

Planting Bushes As A Family Activity

Last evening, Mamie, Igor, Bubby and Pi came over to dig holes and plant the 2 mock orange bushes I had purchased on the last nursery run with Mamie. Neither GolfGuy nor I are in the physical shape needed to deal with our rocks and hard ground.

Igor dug. Mamie de-potted and situated. Bubby and Pi mixed dirt and compost and filled in the holes. GolfGuy and I supervised. All went well until the last little bit of watering when Bubby and Pi nearly came to blows over manning the nozzle. Mamie took charge in her best teacher voice and manner and soon had the situation well in hand.

There ARE advantages to playing the old and decrepit card on occasion.

Cozies & Coasters

Mamie informed me yesterday that the Igor Family is down to 2 coasters and they are feeling very neglected by the Coaster Lady – that would be me.

After trying my hand at many different crafty activities over the years with results ranging from merely mediocre to really bad, I came across the “art” of doing needlepoint-type stitching on a base of plastic canvas. As they say, the rest is history.

My main output consists of Kleenex Cozies (known as tissue box covers in the polite world) and coasters, with napkin rings a distant third. Over the years I have made dozens and dozens of each. I have matching cozies and coasters for all holidays and seasons and moods – at least 8 cozies for Christmas alone. Mamie and the Igors have been inundated with examples of my work.

Shortly after Pi* was born, Mamie and I drove back to Kansas to visit the happy family. We spent most of the week burrowed in at Grammie’s house sewing Humpty dolls for Mrs. Igor, Bubby and Pi to go with the one Igor had (Grammie made a Humpty for each of her grandchildren when they were small – these remain treasured possessions). When we returned home, I designed and made cozies to match the fabric in Bubby’s and Pi’s Humptys and that also incorporated their names. Special Christmas cozies for each followed and on and on…

Several years ago, I was working on drawing a design for a plastic bag holder – it was to be a large piece, with lots of flowers, etc. I was laboring the old fashioned way – graph paper and colored pencils – and getting so frustrated I couldn’t see straight. One screw-up and the whole thing was toast, and I had to start over. GolfGuy couldn’t take it any longer and went online and found a software program for me that lets you work out your patterns easy as can be. Bless you, GolfGuy; the program has been a god-send to me – and saved both our sanities.

*references to Grandson and Granddaughter have morphed into “Bubby” and “Pi”. Not only are Grandson and Granddaughter waaay too many keystrokes for my impatient and clumsy fingers, but I don’t think of them in those terms. So Bubby and Pi it will be.